WallStSmart

KLA Corporation (KLAC)vsTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing generates 32600% more annual revenue ($4.44T vs $13.58B). TSM leads profitability with a 49.9% profit margin vs 35.6%. TSM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.79. TSM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 86/100 (A).

KLAC

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.95

TSM

Exceptional Buy

86

out of 100

Grade: A

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 7.3Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.85
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for KLAC.

TSMUndervalued (+50.6%)

Margin of Safety

+50.6%

Fair Value

$889.36

Current Price

$433.24

$456.12 discount

UndervaluedFair: $889.36Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

KLAC5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$236.01B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
76.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 76 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.2%8/10

15.2% revenue growth

TSM6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Market CapQuality
$2.22T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
49.9%10/10

Keeps 50 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
60.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 60.3%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
36.0%10/10

Revenue surging 36.0% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
77.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 77.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

KLAC3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.694/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
49.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
37.2x2/10

Trading at 37.2x book value

TSM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
31.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
88.6x2/10

Trading at 88.6x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : KLAC

The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.6% and operating margin at 42.5%. Revenue growth of 15.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : TSM

The strongest argument for TSM centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 49.9% and operating margin at 60.3%. Revenue growth of 36.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 49.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : TSM

The primary concerns for TSM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — expect wider price swings.

TSM is growing revenue faster at 36.0% — sustainability is the question.

TSM generates stronger free cash flow (287.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

TSM scores higher overall (86/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 49.9% margins and 36.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

KLA Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

KLA Corporation is a capital equipment company based in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry and other related nanoelectronics industries. The company's products and services are intended for all phases of wafer, reticle, integrated circuit (IC) and packaging production, from research and development to final volume manufacturing.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Limited is a Taiwanese multinational semiconductor contract manufacturing and design company. It is one of Taiwan's largest companies, the world's most valuable semiconductor company, and the world's largest dedicated independent (pure-play) semiconductor foundry, with its headquarters and main operations located in the Hsinchu Science Park in Hsinchu, Taiwan. It is majority owned by foreign investors.

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